THE “SAMMIES”

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1918, Page 2

THE “SAMMIES”

IN THE.ATTACK. v PARIS. March 31. It is reported that American troops are marching to reinforce the French and British.

AMERICANS JOIN IN. PARIS April yl. The French Government have decided to accede to General Pershing’s request to allow American troops to fight in the present battle. ■ LONDON, April 1.

General persihing confirms the announcement made from Paris that he (General Pershing) had made availably/ American divisions and aeroplanes tor use against the German offensive. General Pershing adds:—“Our divisions are to be used when and where they may be needed. The AngloFrench armies are confident and in fine spirits.’’

TO AID THE ALLIES. v LONDON April 1. The Press Bureau states that as trio result of communications between President Wilson, and Mr Lloyd George, and consultations with the American representatives at London 'and Versailles on the West. Front, most important decisions have been reached whereby a large force of trained Americans will he brought to the assistance of the Allies.

America is not only sending large numbers of battalions to Europe for the coming critical months,' but has agreed that such regiments as cannot be used in purely American divisions shall he brigaded with the English and French while the necessity lasts, thus the troops that are not yet trained sufficiently to fight as divisions will form part of seasoned divisions until they have completed their training and General Pershing wishes to withdraw them to build up the American Army Throughout the discussions President Wilson lias shown the greatest anxiety to do his utmost to assist the Allies.

Although the arrangement is of vital important it will not diminish the need for the further raising of troops which Britain has already foreshadow*

REINFORCING. NEW YORK, April 1. Correspondents at the American headquarters state that the United States troops have been turned over to reinforce Sir Douglas Haig’s troops. There is great activity in the whole American, zone. There are long lines of motor trucks and a large force of Americans moving westward. In consequence of the announcement that the Bulgarian troops are engaged on the West Front it is expected that America will shortly declare war on Bulgaria.

AMERICA JUBILANT NEW YORK, April 1) There is the greatest ’enthusiasm at the news that the Americans are ready to join the 'Anglo-French in the cheeking of the German offensive. The “New York World” says that America is a real Ally at last. The War Department in an official summary says:—The Americans are releasing the French veterans for emergency service on the West Front. Such American troops as are sufficiently trained will co-operate with the French and British. speeding tip. GRAIN SHIPMENTS CURTAILED. NEW YORK, April I.

American troops are being sent to France in the fullest capacity of the transports. It is impossible to speed up the transportation of troops unless more shins are available. Conferences

,are being held with the object of speeding up the dispatch of troops. Several divisions arc ready and awaiting transports. Tlie Government will increase the reinforcements by curtailing the grain shipments. They are eliminating all non-essential freight. The United States completed in March 18 ships, aggregating 162,000 tons; and also launched 31 ships aggregating 240,000 tons. Representatives of the United States employers and workers adopted a plan designed to obviate strikes and lockouts during the war.

POSITION IMPROVED. LONDON April I. General Pershing cabled that the situation on the West Front has. improved.

A high military authority in Paris interviewed by an American pressman, stated that the cardinal factor of - the situation as that the enemy could not afford to delay. “I expect,” he said, “one last desperate effort, then a collapse of the offensive. The Germans are fast using up there reserves and will be unable to resist General Fneli’s counter offensive.”